10 Best Under Armour Kids Shoes in 2019

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As a parent, you know that kids shoes never last very long—you buy them a brand new pair at the start of the school year, and they come back to you tattered and filthy after just a week or two. And then there’s a simple fact that kids are always growing, so even the most durable shoes aren’t going to last them forever. So what’s a parent to do? The solution is finding a balance between durability and affordability, and no brand does this better than Under Armour.

As an athletic brand, they use materials that can handle outdoor play and after-school sports. At the same time, their children’s shoes are cost-effective compared with other top brands. But which Under Armor kids shoes are best, and what should you be looking for? You’ll find these answers and more in our in-depth review and buyer’s guide.

To help you find the most durable and affordable Under Armour kids shoes, we’ve put together this list of the 10 best products available on Amazon. From infants to teenagers, you’re sure to find the right fit!

View the Best Under Armour Kids Shoes, Below.

1. Pre School Rave 2 Sneaker

If you’re looking for a shoe that your preschooler can put on and take off all by themselves, the Pre School Rave 2 Adjustable Closure Sneaker is a piece of cake. With their durable mesh material, these lightweight shoes are comfortable enough for even the pickiest feet.

Because the midsoles are made from cushioning EVA foam, even the most daring jumpers can have a soft landing. And with over a dozen unique styles to choose from, it’s easy to find a pair in their favorite color!

2. Grade School Curry 5 Basketball Shoe

For parents looking for a compromise between fashion, athletic performance, and price, this pair of boys Under Armour shoes is a more affordable option compared with Nike’s LeBron shoes. The Grade School Curry 5 Basketball Shoe comes in size 3.5 M US to 7 M US, making them perfect for boys between the ages of 7 and 12, or even teenage girls.

Still, keep in mind that these aren’t playground shoes—with all-court grip, high-tech Anafoam support, and lockdown lacing, these are serious athletic wear. If your child has taken a keen interest in basketball, a pair of Stephen Curry-inspired shoes will make an awesome birthday or holiday gift!

3. Infant Engage 3 Adjustable Closure Running Shoe

The words “infant” and “running shoes” may not make a whole lot of sense together at first, since your baby probably doesn’t have plans to go on a light jog anytime soon. But this particular Under Armour kids shoe has extra stability in its toe and heel overlays that can help wobbly toddlers find their footing, so they can run around without as many falls.

Another infant-friendly feature is the easy on-and-off Velcro—being able to put their shoes on by themselves gives kids a sense of independence. Available in black, green, red, and gray, they’ll love getting to pick a color, and you’ll love that the light, breathable mesh with antimicrobial properties keeps unpleasant odors at bay.

4. Grade School Jet 2017 Basketball Shoe

This pair of Under Armour grade school shoes is for the big kids, typically between the ages of 7 and 13. Whether your son or daughter needs a new pair of athletic sneakers for basketball practice or just for PE, these durable court-ready shoes are just the thing. With an antimicrobial sock-liner and breathable mesh holes throughout, your kids are less likely to come home with athlete’s foot or some other locker room fungus (thank goodness!).

Your kids may not care as much about how their feet smell, but they’ll love the cool high-top style and range of colors from seafoam green to royal blue.

Why We Like It

Our Verdict

We love anything that makes our cars smell a little bit less like a sweaty gymnasium after basketball practice. We also like that these Under Armour grade school shoes are both comfortable and affordable.

Editor Rating

5. Grade School UA Micro G Spine Running Shoes

Boys seem to have an endless supply of energy, and they use it to tear up their shoes as quickly as possible. The UA Micro G Spine Disrupt Running Shoes are probably the closest thing to a boy-proof shoe there is. As far as Under Armour grade school shoes go, these just might be the best looking—with several unique designs to choose from, they’ll be the most stylish kid in class. While UA shoes are usually true to size, keep in mind that this particular make runs a bit small—you might want to order a size up.

6. Pre School UA Primed 2

An active preschooler needs a pair of shoes that can keep up with them at recess and at home, and that’s what the Pre School UA Primed 2 series was made to do. Made from breathable mesh and tough rubber, they hold up remarkably well. The bungee laces give the appearance of a tied shoe when it’s really an easy Velcro strap. If your kids still haven’t gotten a firm grasp on the whole shoe-tying thing, this will save you quite a few early morning headaches.

Available in black or red, these stylish Under Armor kids shoes are easy to wash and maintain, helping them last as long as your child’s feet stay the same size!

7. Pre School X Level Scramjet Remix

Unlike some adults, kids aren’t willing to give up their comfort for style—especially not preschool-aged kids. Luckily, the X Level Scramjet Remix Athletic Shoes from Under Armour are both stylish and easy to wear. Made from 3D-printed mesh, they’re soft and breathable enough to keep little feet feeling cool and comfortable.

With surprisingly solid arch support yet soft, flexible soles, kids can sport these kicks all day long. And thanks to the handy Velcro straps, taking them on and off is a breeze for little ones. They’ll enjoy feeling independent, and you’ll just be relieved that something finally fits their picky feet!

8. Pre School Kickit2 Splatter Mid Sneaker

While all of the shoes on this list can be worn by both boys and girls, the Kickit2 Splatter Mid Sneaker tends to be more popular with young girls. The cute pink and purple paint splatters on the off-white shoe are a fun look for any age. Like most of the other sneakers on this list, the Kickit2’s EVA foam base provides all-day comfort and reduces the impact from running and jumping. The shoe’s antimicrobial properties are also good peace of mind for kids and parents alike who aren’t big fans of stinky feet!

9. Pre School Pursuit Sneaker

Under Armour's Pre School Pursuit Sneaker goes a step further than some of the other shoes on this list when it comes to comfort. An extra layer of foam under the shoe’s tongue and around the ankles provides extra cushioning, so even the pickiest preschooler won’t be able to make a fuss.

Despite the extra foam, these sneakers manage to stay cool and breathable thanks to the lightweight mesh material. And if you’re the type of parent who likes their kids’ clothes to match, you’ll love that these shoes have a very subtle, understated design in a huge assortment of colors.

10. Pre School Assert 6 Sneaker

For kids who are always on the move, the durable Pre School Assert 6 Sneaker will be able to keep up with all of their antics. Leather overlays add to the shoe’s durability while also providing better stability, and the rubber traction covers have been strategically placed on high-impact areas to add protection without adding excess weight.

Preschool might be in the name, but these sneakers go up to sizes that fit most 8-year-olds. They’re lace, not Velcro, so keep that in mind if you are buying them for a 3 or 4-year-old. If they don’t know how to tie laces yet, this pair of sneakers might just be the perfect learning opportunity!

Our Verdict

If your main priority is durability, these sneakers are a safe choice for active kids. We like that everything from the soles to the laces is made with strong, high-quality materials.

Editor Rating

Buyer’s Guide

Now that you know more about the top Under Armour kids shoes, how are you supposed to make a decision? And what size are you supposed to get? To help you make the best choice and to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about buying Under Armour shoes for kids, we’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide. Read on to learn more!

Finding the right Fit

Of course, before you consider a certain style of kids Under Armour shoes, you need to consider size. How do you find the right fit, especially when you’re shopping online? The first thing you’ll want to do is take some measurements—and no, you don’t need one of those fancy foot-rulers you always see at shoe stores. All you need is a ruler, a piece of paper, and a pen. Simply have your child put their foot on the paper and use a pen to mark the back of their heel and the tip of their longest toe.

Use your ruler to measure the distance (both inches and centimeters), and voila! Ah, if only it were so simple. You see, different brands may have different sizing charts, and boys Under Armour shoes are different from girls. Luckily, since we’re just talking about the one brand, you can refer to the sizing chart for Under Armour boys shoes and girls’ shoes. Even when you take careful measurements, the shoes you buy may still not be the perfect fit.

Keep in mind that Amazon Prime members have access to the Prime Wardrobe, which means that they can return any clothing items for free for up to 7 days. You may even be able to “try before you buy” select items as if you were browsing at a retail store.

Velcro vs Laces: Which Is Better?

Even if your toddler already knows how to tie a knot, you still might want to opt for a pair of Velcro shoes. They’re not exactly at the most patient age yet, and they may still find themselves frustrated constantly having to tie and untie their laces. It’s generally recommended to make the switch from Velcro to laces when your kids are about 6 or 7 years old. But remember, it’s not a race—the right age is whenever your child is comfortable handling the task.

Plus, let’s not forget how helpful Velcro shoes have been in leveling the playing field for children with physical disabilities and visual impairments. So, whether you choose Velcro or shoelaces, there is no wrong answer!

Are Antimicrobial Shoes Worth It?

You love your kids, but sometimes they can be…kind of gross. It’s hard to keep their hands from getting sticky or stop them from picking their nose at the dinner table, but luckily it’s easy to pick out shoes that fight foul foot odors. Today, a lot of kids (and adults!) shoes are coated with an antimicrobial treatment or use bacteria-resistant fabric that helps keep odor-causing germs and funky funguses at bay. But is this feature really all that it’s hyped up to be?

While these types of shoes aren’t 100% bacteria-proof, they do make the bottom of your child’s foot a much less hospitable place for bacteria to grow. So if your child is going to be doing a lot running around outside, then we would recommend choosing a pair of sneakers with antimicrobial properties.

Keeping them Clean

Even with antimicrobial fabric, your kid’s shoes are still going to get pretty dirty. The easy way to keep them clean is to buy them in black so that no one notices—but don’t worry, light-colored shoes aren’t as hard to wash as you might think. Luckily, the person who invented these Under Armor shoes for kids had the foresight to make them (most of them—always double check!) machine washable. For the best results, follow these steps:

Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of baking powder on the shoes and let them sit in a bag overnight.

Scrub away the baking powder and any loose debris with a brush.

Put the shoes in a washer bag. If the shoes have laces, remove them and put them in a separate washer bag.

Throw some old towels in the wash to even the load.

Add liquid detergent and wash the shoes, laces, and towels together with cold water on a gentle cycle.

Let the shoes air dry—the heat from the dryer might cause them to accidentally warp.

If you don’t have time to let them sit overnight or wait for the washing machine, check out this YouTube video for an alternative cleaning method!

Conclusion

Buying any type of clothing for your kids is a challenge. Will it fit them? Will they like it? Will they destroy it in less than a week? But knowing what to look for in a pair of shoes can at least give you the peace of mind that you’re putting something comfortable and durable on their feet. With a wide selection of quality Under Armor kids shoes to choose from, there’s something for every age group from infants to teens.

The pair you end up choosing will depend on a variety of factors, including the types of activities your child does, the shape of their feet, and even their favorite color. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the right fit, but you’ve got this. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect back-to-school kicks or a grandparent looking for a surprise gift, we hope that this guide has helped make your buying decision easier!

Expert Tip

When measuring to find your child’s shoe size, make sure you measure both feet. It’s not uncommon for a kid’s feet to be two different sizes—go with the size of the larger foot.

Did you know?

Children’s feet grow incredibly fast—between the ages of 3 and 5, a child’s shoe size will increase by a ½ size every four months. That means that they’ll need at least 2 new pairs of shoes each year. Learn how to size them here.